We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jda Jefferson . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jda below.

Alright, Jda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I can remember the day as if it just happened yesterday. It was Summer 2023, around July and I was working at a restaurant by the name of Shoney’s in my hometown of Orangeburg, Sc. This particular day it had not been a bad day at work, but I simply wasn’t amused with it. The money I made this day or the people I encountered just couldn’t shake a feeling that I believe always lied dormant within me, but wanted to be more apparent in the moment. Unfortunately for me, others could sense that as well, simply because on any other day I’m this burst of life that keeps the train running at the job. A co worker of mine that we all called Belle just would not let me be great this day (which I’m grateful she didn’t). She insisted that she knew something was off about me this particular day, which she was correct . Despite my efforts of trying to play it off as if I was ok Belle sat in front of me until she could figure out the reasoning. As if a lightbulb formed above her head she spoke the words, “ You’re not happy here.” At that moment, it’s as if she read my mind and said words I just never allowed myself to say. I started working very early on in life , so I grew very comfortable in settling. Despite it being what I had to do, it was never what I wanted to do. Being only 21 years old at the time, her words had finally make me face the music. So after a few more words of encouragement she ended it with “J’da take that leap and don’t let this small town consume you.” I don’t take any conversation that is brought to me lightly, so know I did just that especially since Belle is also an older woman. After the conversation, I perked up a bit and carried on with the rest of my shift. The last 15 minutes I took the time out to write my farewell letter to the job, made a little phone call to make arrangements and a week later I was on a greyhound bus to Charlotte to pursue my art career. One of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made in my life so far and it’s all thanks to Ms. Belle.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi everyone, I’m J’da (Jay-duh) artist name Charaine J, which comes from my middle name and last name. I’m a 22 year old visual artist from the small town of Orangeburg, Sc. I’m quite the expressive individual and simply someone you must experience to even understand the half. I recently relocated to North Carolina to further expand my creative endeavors. I’m extremely excited and proud of myself for this leap of faith I’ve taken, despite the journey not being the easiest it’s definitely been well worth it. I mean from bigger opportunities, more recognition, new friends and etc. I’ve been a creative for a very long time starting at the ripe age of four. While other kids wanted dolls, candy or to play I wanted a Lisa Frank coloring book and crayons from the dollar store. Of course at such a young age I wasn’t aware of this thing called “talent” , it just was a hobby that was just enjoyable. A fun fact though is that this talent wasn’t a situation where it just showed up in me, but more so heritable since my dad draws well himself. He didn’t pursue a career with his talent but it’s definitely there. Every Mother’s Day in my younger years he would sit with me and we would hand craft cards for my mother, because he would always say that those were the gifts that matter. When honestly we just couldn’t afford gifts , but the lesson weighs no less. Nevertheless, as I got older I continued to doodle and things. Teachers and family would feed me compliments here and there but still I paid no mind to what they were actually saying, but this indeed changed. It was my fifth grade year at Marshall Elementary School. I had an art teacher by the name of Ms.Bryant who would sit over me and just watch me create works in her class. One particular day she pulled me out of English class and had me come to her classroom to sit down with the given task to draw what was in front of me. Initially in my head I was like this lady must be crazy to believe that I can do this, but to my surprise I was better than I expected . From there, Ms. Bryant had me doing competitions and constantly drawing , so I could eventually try out for a summer program for the gifted and talented involving the arts. Let’s just say the practice paid off, because I was accepted into the program and only grew as an artist from there. I spent 7 summers with the Consortium of arts , and I’m forever grateful for them. There was Ms. Dunning whom was my summer art teacher for the first 4 years of the program (which would be the summer after 5th grade up until the summer after 8th grade) who helped me learn my strengths. Then there was Ms. Wright who actually was my art teacher during my middle school years to then become my summer art teacher at the consortium once I was moved up time for me to start high
school. Ms. Wright taught me to have individuality within my work, because she always pushed me to be different and show who I really am through my creations. As for during the school years of high school I had Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson taught me to be mature within my path and to work hard behind things that I love. He taught me to stay consistent and to give myself what I may have wanted from others. I genuinely appreciate each and every one of them, so I couldn’t talk about myself without mentioning them because they’re key reasons why I am who I am today. Throughout those years I definitely developed my purpose, despite how young I was. I knew I was meant to create works that helped heal me while simultaneously allowing others to know they aren’t alone. My purpose is to create different prospectives from my lens whether it’s to teach the on looker, tug on their emotions or simply giving them art to just enjoy as a lover of art. A key part of why I love being a creative are the interactions I have with people. I love hearing how they interpret my work, how it makes them feel and any knowledgeable information because I’m forever a student willing to learn. I have been working for a while, yet this journey I’m on now just feels like the beginning of something new for me. A time strictly dedicated to the betterment of my life and craft.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson that I had to unlearn is that all I needed was myself to get things done. That is a lie no matter who you are. I didn’t believe this from a know it all perspective, but more so because I was raised quite independently. Being the offspring of younger parents, who quite honestly was still learning this life thing themselves. I was left to be raised by my grandmother, which led me to grow up quicker than average. I was taught to take care of myself and know how to work in her care. So in situations where I should have had guidance, I chose to conquer alone. This led to not asking questions, staying quiet in time of need and believing Google could help me navigate this life thing. Obviously, this can be a very difficult thing to put yourself through so young. In which , it definitely was and the consequences of that was extreme stress. It took for me to have a complete meltdown to realize I can’t handle everything alone. I had been holding onto a lot of things that stunted my growth. So once I realized I wanted change I fought the feeling of embarrassment and began speaking up. Whether it was about my mental health, living situations or my craft. Once that confidence grew, I began my journey of rebuilding my village. I spoke up for myself in rooms that I didn’t believe I had a purpose in and grew vulnerable for the sake of betterment. We’re all human and we’ll never know everything. It’s ok to ask for help and allow community to play a major part in your success.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Oh wow where do I even start with this question. I would say for starters that my journey is already questioned because to many being a creative is just some side hobby. It also doesn’t help that once I mention I didn’t pursue a college degree most conversations are ended as if I’m not worthy of one. Being a creative with genuine passion definitely gets disregarded in a money driven culture. If I’m not using my talents to tattoo, then my desires to create don’t mean a thing to most. The sacrifices and work I put into my journey are definitely looked at crazy, because it’s simply rare that people go after what makes them happy oppose to what’s comfortable. Hence I’m not naive to the times we’re in, so it’s understandable. Stability is something we all aim towards but I personally rather the harder route with the happiness that comes with doing what I love. I always advocate for others to do what they want to; not what your parents , peers or social media believe you should. On many occasions I’ve seen people miserable within careers that allow them to have riches but what about the riches of your spirit. It’s a crazy world we live in , so live your days to the fullest doing what you please. Mine happens to be being a creative who’s expressive through visual arts and all I ask is for that to be respected.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @charainej._
• Facebook: Jda Jefferson
• Twitter: @sylentraine
• Other: TikTok: @charainej

Image Credits

@the85mil
@oddyworld
@sauvevisual
@kapturedbykhari_